Elemental Analysis of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Nicotine E-Liquids Related to EVALI

Abstract During the e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) investigation, the U.S. FDA’s Forensic Chemistry Center (FCC) received numerous sample submissions from various states and other sources. Many of these products were linked directly to patients, while others were not; both categories included used and unused products. Elemental analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) preceded by microwave-assisted decomposition was carried out on the cartridge contents of 65 of these submitted samples. Challenges encountered included limited sample,